Dean Bornhorst (left, with defense attorney Andrew Pratt) pleaded guilty to three counts in relation to a drunk-driving accident which claimed the life of a Yorkshire man in September. He will be sentenced May 1.

Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

GREENVILLE — A Minster, Ohio, man pleaded guilty to multiple charges involving a September drunk driving incident that claimed the life of a man.

Dean M. Bornhorst, 25, pleaded guilty in Darke County Common Pleas Court Monday to a second-degree felony count of Aggravated Vehicular Homicide, a third-degree felony count of Aggravated Vehicular Assault, and a first-degree misdemeanor count of Driving Under the Influence.

As part of the plea agreement, the prosecution dropped three additional charges.

The accident occurred near North Star, Ohio, at the 7100 block of North Star-Ft. Loramie Road September 11, 2016. According to the Darke County Sheriff’s Office investigation, the vehicle driven by Bornhorst rear-ended the vehicle being driven by Steven L. Knapke, 65, of Yorkshire, who was pronounced dead at the scene. Knapke’s wife, Lois, was seriously injured in the crash.

Two passengers in Bornhorst’s vehicle were treated and released at the scene.

As part of the plea agreement, Darke County Assistant Prosecutor Jesse Green said the state is seeking a three-year prison sentence and a Class 1 license suspension for the homicide charge, a concurrent two-year prison sentence for the assault charge, and 180 days in jail and a fine of $1,000.

By pleading guilty, Bornhorst avoids the prospect of serving up to 11 years in prison and fines of more than $25,000.

Family members of the victim were present in court, as were relatives of Bornhorst. Common Pleas Court Judge Jonathan Hein told each party they would have the opportunity to address the court at Bornhorst’s sentencing, scheduled for May 1.

Bornhorst is free on bond. He is represented by defense attorney Andrew Pratt.

Dean Bornhorst (left, with defense attorney Andrew Pratt) pleaded guilty to three counts in relation to a drunk-driving accident which claimed the life of a Yorkshire man in September. He will be sentenced May 1.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2017/03/web1_Bornhorst-8087-PRINT.jpgDean Bornhorst (left, with defense attorney Andrew Pratt) pleaded guilty to three counts in relation to a drunk-driving accident which claimed the life of a Yorkshire man in September. He will be sentenced May 1. Erik Martin | The Daily Advocate

By Erik Martin

emartin@aimmedianetwork.com

The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com

The writer may be reached at 937-569-4314. Join the conversation and get updates on Facebook search Darke County Sports or Advocate 360. For more features online go to dailyadvocate.com